The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), the national-level representative body of freelancers, and Innovista, a National Initiative of SIFC for collaborative workspaces and innovative platforms, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at creating transformative opportunities, including capacity building and business collaboration for more than 50,000 freelancers every year across Pakistan.
Reshaping Pakistan’s Freelance Ecosystem
This landmark collaboration is set to reshape the freelance ecosystem through capacity building, digital infrastructure, and policy advocacy, paving the way for freelancers to play an even more critical role in the national economy.
Official Agreement Signed in Islamabad
Chairman PAFLA Ibrahim Amin and CEO Innovista Hisham Sarwar signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Islamabad to launch collaborative events and impactful initiatives aimed at empowering youth across Pakistan through freelancing and digital skills.
Freelancers: A Driving Force in Pakistan’s Digital Economy
“Freelancers are no longer just a side segment of the workforce; they are front and center in Pakistan’s digital economy with more than $500 million contribution to bring in foreign exchange in Pakistan,” said Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of PAFLA.
He further added, “This partnership with Innovista aligns perfectly with the mission to empower freelancers, advocate for policy reforms, and ensure their contributions are formally recognized in Pakistan’s economic framework. Freelancers are helping bridge foreign exchange gaps and creating self-sufficiency across sectors, as they deserve infrastructure and recognition at par with traditional sectors.”
Pakistan Among Top Gig Economy Contributors
Pakistan has emerged as one of the top five countries contributing to the international gig workforce, with a strength of around 2.37 million freelancers, a number that continues to grow.
PAFLA’s Impact and Outreach
PAFLA has registered more than 100,000 freelancers as part of its member community, with significant representation across the country. The association has organized 35 seminars and 25 training sessions, including collaborations with Google Inc.
Innovista’s Commitment to Skilling and Scaling Freelancers
CEO Innovista Hisham Sarwar stated that the PAFLA-Innovista partnership is focused on providing training, technology access, financial literacy, and global client connectivity to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s freelancers, aiming to enhance employability and position Pakistan on a global stage.
“Through this partnership, Innovista will deploy its digital tools, learning modules, and community engagement resources to create an inclusive environment for Pakistani freelancers, especially women and youth in underserved regions,” he said. “By partnering with PAFLA, we are building a robust landscape where freelancers can thrive, earn sustainably, and become engines of Pakistan’s economic future. We’re focusing on skilling, scaling, and supporting freelancers so they not only earn a living but also uplift their communities.”
Key Initiatives Under the Partnership
The PAFLA-Innovista partnership will introduce several key initiatives, including:
- Nationwide freelancer training bootcamps
- Access to co-working and co-learning spaces at Innovista
- Awareness campaigns on freelancing rights, taxation, and global platforms
- Onboarding freelancers at Innovista to enhance collaboration and growth
This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s freelance economy and fostering sustainable digital employment opportunities.
